119th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot held all over
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 30 2015: The 119th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot has been celebrated across the State and beyond today.

Speaking as the chief guest at a celebration function organised at MDU, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said that a handful of people would never succeed in breaking the territorial integrity of Manipur.

The celebration was organised by the Jananeta Hijam Irawat Birthday Celebration Committee (JHIBCC) .

Gaikhangam said that people must collectively stand against the divisive forces.

Every Manipuri must contribute their mite in maintaining a united Manipur as wished by Lamyanba Hijam Irabot.

School children staging a march past

The Deputy Chief Minister observed that the current standoff could have been averted had some individuals been cautious while presenting their views on public platforms.

The State Government has put its doors wide open for talks with the organisations spearheading the agitations in the hill areas, he said.

Gaikhangam further said that every citizen of the State must not forget that hill and valley people are brothers and they can never part ways.

The Deputy Chief Minister also exhorted the people to adopt Irabot's ideologies like hardwork, understanding responsibilities, self reliance and unity among different communities.

Saying that Irabot always wanted to see a Manipur, where people are hardworking, tolerant and united, Gaikhangam also urged the people to realize Irabot's dreams.

Kakching AC MLA Y Surchandra, JHIBCC chairman Meitram Shamu, Manipur Dramatic Union president Kshetrimayum Ibohal, AIFB secretary Khomdram Gyaneshor, RSP secretary Ningthoujam Ratan, CPI (M), Manipur secretary Sarat Salam, All India Kisan Council member Yumnam Ratan, All Manipur Democratic Women Association president Maibam Randhoni and I Foundation president Yumnam Ibopishak were also present at the function as presidium members.

Meanwhile, various veteran CPI leaders and associates of Irabot attended the celebration organised by Irawat Celebration Committee (ICC), Manipur at Lamyanba Shanglen.

Around 37 contingents took part in a march past competition organised as part of the celebration.

CPI Manipur State Council secretary Dr M Nara while speaking at the function said that this year's celebration was held under the theme, 'protection of territorial integrity of Manipur' .

Various scholars are still conducting research on Irabot's life as people have now realized his contributions to the society, he added.

Dr Nara said that Irabot was a farsighted leader and he tried to find solutions of the problems which would besiege the people of Manipur in future.

People's harmony and unity would be disturbed if any State or country is administered by leaders of a single community, he observed.

Saying that unity of workers and labourers is a must, Dr Nara said that Irabot was the architect of modern Manipur.

Dr Nara said that Irabot used to tell to his followers and common people that nothing could be achieved without hill-valley unity in the State.

As part of the Irabot Day celebration, Lions and Lioness Club of Imphal, State Blindness Control Society and Sagolband Mantrimayum Leikai Voluntary Organisation organised a free eye screening cum cataract detection camp at Sagolband Mantrimayum Leikai today.

Lions Club of Imphal Club secretary Dr RK Laksana said that the eye camp was conducted to detect persons who need cataract operation and needy persons who need lens.

He said that Lions and Lioness Club of Imphal, State Blindness Control Society would provide free cataract operation facilities and lens to the patients.

Sagolband AC MLA RK Imo also visited the camp venue.

The MLA said that the Chief Minister has permitted to install 79 street LED lighting systems from Wahengbam Leikai to Oriental College gate on NH-37 .

The 119th birth anniversary celebration of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot was also celebrated at Echel Club, Dibong (Jiribam) .

Dibong Gram Panchayat Pradhan P Mani and retired DI of schools, S Tonu graced the occasion as chief guest and president respectively.

Retired Lecturer of Jiri College, Dr Ch Kamal and All Jiribam Working Journalists Union advisor Sarat Thokchom spoke on the life and contribution of Irabot at the function.

Council for Youth Welfare (CYWEL), Sayang Road Konthoujam Leikai organised a spot painting competition at Sayang New Primary School (Hindi School) ground as part of Irabot Day celebration.

The competition was organised in two different categories.

All Manipur Senior Citizens' Welfare Association and Potshangbam Bhuban Memorial Trust also celebrated the 119th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot at Old Age Home, Mongshangei today.

Takhellambam Leikai Youth Development Organisation conducted a painting competition as part of the Irabot Day celebration.

The day was also celebrated at Wangjing Tentha AC with MLA Paonam Brojen as the chief guest.

Old age pensions were distributed at the occasion.